2. Where Does
Identity Originate?
“Identity is fluid, and is shaped
through experience. Identity
formation arises in interaction and
is a function not only of the
individual and his or her relation to
the ethnic or racial group, but of
that group‟s place in the wider
social setting.”
(Wong(Lau), 2001)
3. Identity Formation within
Immigrant Communities
Immigrant Communities represent “a moment in
time.”
Cultural practices from the originating culture are
preserved and maintained within the immigrant
community as a means to solidify and maintain the
immigrants cultural identity.
Originating cultures continue to develop and
modernize, sometimes leaving behind the cultural
practices and traditions that immigrants cling to as
“traditional values.”
4. Identity Formation within
Immigrant Communities
When immigrant communities and members
of the originating culture eventually meet,
both are disappointed at the cultural identity
of the other group.
Each group believes they are the
dominant cultural group.
5. Identity Formation within
Immigrant Communities
“(American Born Chinese) are so old
“Chinese are honorable people. fashioned. You are young, but it is
We respect our elders, value like you live in old Chinese history
family, cherish children, and we books. You are SO old fashioned and
are honest. Chinese people look at strict! You celebrate August Moon
what is inside a person, not focus Festival. You know how to make
on smooth talk and nice dress like Won Tons and Pot Stickers. Only
American do. I don‟t trust them poor people cook. You have money,
[(modern) Hong Kongese]. They but you order white rice in
are upper crusty. All they care restaurants. How embarrassing! I
can’t believe you are Chinese!
about is money and buying
Chinese are supposed to be „tight,‟
things… spend money. …They
you know – good dress, good
aren’t very Chinese.” business, „tight‟ cars, go out… cell
phones.”
Wong(Lau), 2001 Wong(Lau), 2001
6. Identity Formation within
Immigrant Communities
Identity formation is intrinsically linked to the group
social dynamics that individuals are involved in.
Immigrant Communities cling to the comfortable and
familiar cultural histories amidst a new and uncertain
landscape. The community strengthens and reinforces
the shared cultural history.
Originating Cultures continue to modernize and
develop a social and political culture entirely
independent of the Immigrant Communities.
7. Cultural Identities are
shaped by the
experiences and actions,
including migrations, of
our dominant group.
Immigrant Communities
develop new dominant
groups, maintaining the
traditions of their former
culture in extreme, often
to the point where they
separate from the cultural
practices of their former
dominant culture.
8. In Summary…
What was studied?
The effects of identity formation on migration, specifically
amongst Chinese-American immigrants.
What was the method of the study?
Textual analysis and ethnographic interviews. The author‟s
personal history also contributed to the article.
What were the findings?
Identity formation is a fluid, ever-changing construct of group
and individual interactions. Immigrant communities choose to
maintain their cultural heritage as a means to survive within a
sometimes-daunting immigration experience in a new country.
This cultural heritage is observed in extreme, and can often split
from the cultural practices of their originating group.
What approach was used?
I believe the Interpretive approach was used. Human behavior
is free-form and voluntary, and this study captures one
expression of human behavior.
9. Questions
Many of us have moved around the country or the world.
How did you remember your hometown or home
country? Was it the “same” when you went back?
Memorializing a certain place or time seems to be a
universal action. We all seem to fondly remember our
childhood as being better and different than current
times. However, how accurate is that memory? Do you
believe that “you can never go home again?” Will you
always be disappointed with the ongoing
“modernization” of your hometown away from your
childhood memories?
10. Citations
Wong (Lau), K. (2001). Migration Across
Generations. Readings in Intercultural Communications:
Experiences and Contexts, 95-101.
